Submitted by Rick Hynick, Director, Client and Family Advocacy (GAO)

With so much in the news lately regarding the devastating hurricanes that have hit Texas, Florida and other states, a mom of a Pennsylvania school age client knows the importance of being prepared at all times.  She explained that everyone is talking about having extra supplies in case the power goes out because of these terrible storms.  However, this mom painted a picture of how families caring for loved ones with complex medical needs have to be prepared every day.  She explained that she needs extra supplies in case her child’s feeding tube were to malfunction.  She further explained that she has so many pieces of medical equipment that requires electricity, that her family has a portable generator, as they need the comfort of always knowing they will have electricity, even if the power were to go out in good weather.